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Sen. Nunn: We are all stepping up to help neighbors in need

Sen. Zach Nunn, Special to the Register
Published 10:15 p.m. CT April 16, 2020

As we all work to adjust during this difficult time, Iowans across the state are stepping up to help neighbors in need.

Stories of people making homemade face masks for friends, families, neighbors, or donating them to local hospitals are inspiring to all of us. Representative Brian Lohse and I recently joined critical workers at Brick Street Market to make meals for first responders, and I have been thrilled to see local restaurants contribute food to health care providers. Thanks to each of you for your contributions, large, small, and daily that help keep our community strong – this is our fastest way to beat the pandemic, and get our economy working again.

Sen. Zach Nunn(Photo: Special to the Register)

Serving at the Local Level

Each of us has an ability to provide lifesaving assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Iowa Department of Public Health has issued guidance on making homemade masks for health care providers. Volunteer Iowa has a number of opportunities available for those who want to help during the pandemic. The American Red Cross is looking for people to donate blood. The Food Bank of Iowa is currently doing a fundraiser to raise money to meet the immediate need for meals for Iowans right here in our community.

The Department of Human Services has information available on how to apply for food assistance. At the Department of Public Health’s website you can learn about the WIC program, and the Department on Aging is also providing home-delivered or drive-through meals for Iowans over the age of 60. Food banks all across Iowa are working hard to provide meals for families in need.

Supporting Mental Health Resources

Access to mental health assistance during COVID-19 requires state and health providers to find innovative ways to best serve patients in need, particularly through expanding telehealth services, Iowa is also leading efforts to combat drug abuse and the opioid crisis.

Telehealth: Iowa, working with the federal government, has taken historic steps to expand Americans’ access to telehealth, so that patients, particularly our Medicare beneficiaries, can receive a wider range of services without having to travel to a healthcare facility. Iowa has worked to deliver and reimburse Medicaid covered services through telehealth platforms. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued guidance on telehealth reimbursement and coverage options in the Medicaid program to aid our communities

Supplemental Grant Funding: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in coordination with the State of Iowa, announced it will fund $110 million in emergency grants to provide treatment for substance use disorders and serious mental illness during the coronavirus pandemic. The agency has announced it is accepting applications and will provide up to $2 million for successful applicants for 16 months.

A number of constituents have contacted me expressing their desire to reopen the economy. I think all Iowans are looking forward to the time when we return to work, school, and social functions. I am optimistic we can proceed through this pandemic and reopen the economy in a balanced and responsible way in coordination with data-driven health care decisions. Thank you for all you have done to help our communities and our fellow Iowans.

State Sen. Zach Nunn, R-Bondurant, represents Senate District 15, which includes most of Jasper County and parts of eastern Polk County, including Altoona, Bondurant, Mitchellville and Runnells. He can be reached at 515-519-2246 or zach.nunn@legis.iowa.gov.